PITTSBURGH — Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers took time to detail the numerous talents of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. It was a thorough assessment, reflecting Tomlin’s usual composed and analytical approach.
“Barkley possesses exceptional speed,” Tomlin commented on the NFL’s leading rusher. “He can score at any moment… He excels in tight situations, has the ability to power through contact, and is agile enough to evade defenders. In short, he’s an all-around remarkable player.”
Tomlin expressed this respect for Barkley by referring to him as “Mr. Barkley,” highlighting the significant challenge faced by the Steelers (10-3) as they prepare to confront the Eagles (11-2) on Sunday. “He has been a force on the field,” Tomlin added. “His performance has been astonishing at times.”
The physical prowess of Barkley is one reason Tomlin believes his team can remain focused on urgency and not get distracted. Pittsburgh is entering an intense stretch where they will play three games in 11 days, starting with the Eagles, followed by a match against the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens, and concluding with a meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.
Tomlin emphasized the importance of not underestimating Barkley’s potential impact, saying, “If you don’t contain him, you won’t even have a chance to succeed.” Most teams have struggled to do so this season, but Pittsburgh, with its fourth-ranked rushing defense, feels confident it has what it takes to be the exception.
Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts leads this charge. Known for his old-school run-stopping ability, Roberts lives up to the nickname Tomlin once gave him as a “tooth chipper.” Tomlin first noticed Roberts while scouting him out of Houston nearly a decade ago. After Roberts became available in the spring of 2023, the Steelers quickly moved to secure him.
Roberts hasn’t disappointed, demonstrating a willingness to embrace the tough aspects of his role. Earlier in the season, he dramatically leaped over the line to halt Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle, forcing a fumble that could have clinched the game if not for a recovery by Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott.
When asked about his sustained effectiveness, Roberts simply stated, “When you excel at something, you tend to focus on it.”
Roberts is among several key contributors on a defense that has successfully contained notable rushers like Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, and J.K. Dobbins this season. Veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward is enjoying a stellar season at age 35, while second-year player Keeanu Benton is starting to make a name for himself. Patrick Queen, who joined the team in the offseason, is proving to be Pittsburgh’s most versatile linebacker since the unfortunate exit of Ryan Shazier due to injury in late 2017.
Queen acknowledges that stopping Barkley will require a collective effort from all players on defense. “Every player must do their part,” he stated. “Some teams may underestimate how exceptional Barkley is. It’s crucial to maintain your focus.”
Barkley has graced social media with memorable moments, such as his acrobatic hurdle play against Jacksonville earlier in the season, which even made it into an update for the “Madden NFL” video game.
To effectively counter Barkley’s dynamic playstyle, Queen advised, “If you want to hit him, you need to be aware of what you’re targeting.” This might not always suffice against a player of Barkley’s caliber. He is not only well-supported by one of the NFL’s premier offensive lines, but he also benefits from having dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts alongside him. Tomlin remarked that Barkley is “the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024.”
Barkley is on track to challenge the single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set by Eric Dickerson 40 years ago, as he transitioned from the New York Giants. While Philadelphia’s offense is still evolving, with Hurts throwing for just 108 yards in the previous week against Carolina, Barkley has been key to the Eagles’ ongoing nine-game winning streak.
“For him to not only join a new team but also pursue records at this stage in his career is rare,” Queen commented. “We need to play hard-nosed football.”
Roberts expressed his enjoyment of the physical aspects of the game, stating, “I thrive on it. You definitely want a linebacker who relishes the physical side of the sport.”
Additionally, the Steelers are dealing with some injury concerns, as wide receiver George Pickens, safety DeShon Elliott, and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi missed practice due to hamstring and groin issues. However, defensive tackle Montravius Adams participated fully as he approaches a return from injured reserve.
